How to Become a Notary in California
Learn about California notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to California law.
California requires notary applicants to complete a mandatory 6-hour pre-commission education course from a state-approved vendor and pass a proctored written examination administered by the Secretary of State (CA Gov. Code § 8201 et seq.). Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not replace the mandatory state-approved education course or exam.
California Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in California.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
California requires every notary to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts (CA Gov. Code § 8206). Each entry must include: date and time, type of notarial act, character of the document, t...
Fees & Seals
California notaries may charge up to $15.00 per notarial act for most acts and $15.00 per signature on an acknowledgment or jurat (CA Gov. Code § 8211). The seal must be a rubber ink stamp (embossed s...
Key Topics Covered for California
Master these essential areas of California notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
California Civil Code § 1189 sets forth the required acknowledgment form. The notary must verify that the signer personally appeared, was identified through satisfactory evidence, ...
Journals & Records
California requires every notary to maintain a sequential journal of all notarial acts (CA Gov. Code § 8206). Each entry must include: date and time, type of notarial act, characte...
Identity Verification
California is strict about identity verification (CA Civil Code § 1185). Satisfactory evidence includes: (1) a current identification document issued by a federal or state governme...
RON Specifics
California enacted AB 1093, effective January 1, 2030 (with some provisions taking effect earlier), authorizing Remote Online Notarization. However, as of 2025, California has esta...
Prohibited Acts
California notaries must not: notarize their own signature; notarize without the signer's personal appearance (except authorized RON); act when they have a financial interest; prov...
Fees & Seals
California notaries may charge up to $15.00 per notarial act for most acts and $15.00 per signature on an acknowledgment or jurat (CA Gov. Code § 8211). The seal must be a rubber i...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in California
Mistakes that California notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Relying on personal knowledge alone to identify a signer—California requires satisfactory documentary evidence for every notarization.
Failing to obtain a thumbprint in the journal for real property documents such as deeds of trust and powers of attorney.
Using the title 'Notario Publico' or similar non-English terms implying attorney status, which is specifically prohibited by CA Gov. Code § 8219.5.
Charging more than the statutory maximum fee of $15.00 per signature per notarial act.
Failing to require the signer to sign or make a mark in the notary's journal for every notarial act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in California.
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